Doesn't the CBA require you to be at least 85% or 90% of the Cap level next year. If the Celtics can't get a stud free agent they are going to have to pay someone that money (that's why Allen may be back next year too). Amnesty should be used to get a top line free agent and nothing else in my opinion. A lot of people want to throw in the towel and go into the lottery. The Celtics have not had a lot of luck with the lottery in my lifetime so i would rather see the Celtics stay relevant as long as possible. They will have a lot of cap space available next year with Pierce under contract so let's see what Ainge can do with that space before throwing in the towel.

PP is washed up! How can any team be expected to play hard when Capt Marshmallow says he can't play because of a sore heel. Kobe has no bone cartilage around one of his knee's and torn tendons in his wrist but he still plays.

Paul Pierce has never sat out a game because he was soft, he is one tough player and will return when they let him. I am sure the injury is bad or the Celts do not want to play him until he has the health to carry the team. It is apparent we are nothing without him. Baby and Delonte could have kept up competative.

As much as it kills me, I kind of agree. From a fan perspective, if there's ever been anyone to show loyalty to, PP is the guy. But from a business/operations perspective.....Ainge has said all along that he didn't want to end this big three the same way as the 80s three just because of loyalty.

There's more guys out there than just Howard, and if you pull someone else in, maybe he changes his mind. We all remember Garnett loathed the thought of Boston until the Allen trade. Eric Gordon will be a restricted free agent, and NO probably won't want to spend too much depending on the ownership situation. A starting lineup with Rondo, Gordon, Pietrus, Bass and Howard in it sounds pretty solid. Moore, JJ and Steamer coming off the bench. You also have Bradley and 3 draft picks to play with. You can keep them, or bring back a known entity via trade.

PP is washed up! How can any team be expected to play hard when Capt Marshmallow says he can't play because of a sore heel. Kobe has no bone cartilage around one of his knee's and torn tendons in his wrist but he still plays. Trade marshmallow now Dannnnyyyy!Posted by null

Sorry troll spanker your ignore list should state that any Laker troll is the worst of offenders. They live on this BB only to annoy, their opinions are irrelevant. If this were not the case they would find themselves on a Laker board.

Pierce took less $$ to get a ring, and in the process, reduced his stats but still was the go-to guy in the crunch when a basket was needed. He's still that guy and until another player can step up and be that tough in a tough situation, he stays. He should and probably will retire as a career Celtics player - he has earned it. Even if he doesn't start (I still maintain that matters less than who finishes), his value is extremely high. Right now, who do the Celtics have to check LaQueen.

PAUL PIERCE , KG AND RAY ALLEN NEED TO BE GIVEN "NO TRADE" CLAUSES IN THEIR CONTRACTS AS A SIGN OF RESPECT. NOT THAT THESE GUYS ARENT ALREADY HUNGRY (AMAZING THAT THEY ARE AS VETS) , BUT GIVING THEM THE RECOGNITION IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE LEAGUE , AS WELL AS THE PERSONAL PEACE OF MIND AT DEADLINE TIME. I THINK THESE 3 GUYS WOULD REALLY RESPOND TO THE SHOW OF RESPECT

IDIOT ! PAUL PIERCE , KG AND RAY ALLEN NEED TO BE GIVEN "NO TRADE" CLAUSES IN THEIR CONTRACTS AS A SIGN OF RESPECT. NOT THAT THESE GUYS ARENT ALREADY HUNGRY (AMAZING THAT THEY ARE AS VETS) , BUT GIVING THEM THE RECOGNITION IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE LEAGUE , AS WELL AS THE PERSONAL PEACE OF MIND AT DEADLINE TIME. I THINK THESE 3 GUYS WOULD REALLY RESPOND TO THE SHOW OF RESPECTPosted by PHX85014

I don't think they need extra motivation. I think they need complementary players that can keep or even extend leads when the starters aren't in. Right now, the only players that fit the bill are Bass and Steamer. We haven't seen Moore enough or Johnson at all to assess how dependable they can be.

As much as it kills me, I kind of agree. From a fan perspective, if there's ever been anyone to show loyalty to, PP is the guy. But from a business/operations perspective.....Ainge has said all along that he didn't want to end this big three the same way as the 80s three just because of loyalty. There's more guys out there than just Howard, and if you pull someone else in, maybe he changes his mind. We all remember Garnett loathed the thought of Boston until the Allen trade. Eric Gordon will be a restricted free agent, and NO probably won't want to spend too much depending on the ownership situation. A starting lineup with Rondo, Gordon, Pietrus, Bass and Howard in it sounds pretty solid. Moore, JJ and Steamer coming off the bench. You also have Bradley and 3 draft picks to play with. You can keep them, or bring back a known entity via trade.Posted by jgallag1

KG looks like his legs are worn out. Maybe they are or maybe its just lack of practice. In any case, he's the only one of the 3 that may need to retire at the end of the season. Pierce has been a loyal Celtic and could have jumped ship for more money. Let's show the league that if you are a Celtic great, we support you are long as you are contributing like Pierce is (forget the last game - that was an aberration). Ray should also come back. He's the most productive offensively of the 3 and he clearly has a role to play at a reasonable salary.

So, no amnesty for the Captain - use him to help develop the next group of Celtics: Rondo/Green/Bass/Stiemsma/Moore/Johnson + 2 first rounders and lots of Cap room. The future is bright no matter what the Big 3 give us this year.